A millionaire has reportedly left his entire fortune to his hometown, but under one condition.
We all have a special place in our hearts for where we grew up, but leaving millions to the town itself?
It’s not something a lot of us would do.
However, Marcelin Arthur Chaix, 95, decided that the commune of Tourrettes in France was worth the investment.
Chaix, who had lived in the area for most of his life, wanted to provide the town with his wealth after he passed away, and declared that it can only be used for a specific cause.
He resided in the area which is hidden between the mountains away from the French Riviera’s coast.
If you look at pictures of it, you’ll understand why he wanted to protect it and its inhabitants.
Chaix stipulated in his will that his entire fortune could only be used to serve the elderly folk who still reside in the area.
According to Manchester Evening News, it was reported that because of the funding, a facility will be erected which can host 10 people will be opening before 2026.
Chaix’s gift means that people will be able to receive further care as they continue to age.
Because of this overwhelmingly kind act, people have come out to praise him after his death.
His will was actually read at the town hall, and the community was able to hear that he was donating €2.5million (£2.06m) to the facilities.
BFM reports the mayor of Tourrettes, Camile Bouge, was quick to thank him for his selflessness and said: “This facility must not have a profit-making purpose but strictly a social one. We can consider ourselves fortunate for this bequest and express our gratitude to this Tourrettan, without any reserved heirs, by standing and applauding in memory of the late Mr Chaix.”
Work on this ‘daycare centre for the elderly’, as it is written in his will, should begin soon.
According to Connexion France, an official claimed that Chaix wanted a reception centre for older people, for a wonderful reason.
“We’re not talking about an [elderly care home] Ehpad, but a small structure, a place to live and meet for senior citizens, who are often faced with loneliness,” the official said.
Residents went on to thank him and admitted that it wasn’t a surprise that he would do such a thing.
According to the Express, one person called Marc shared that he ‘always helped others’, noting: “It doesn’t surprise me because he was someone who always helped others.”
Anne, another resident said that she wholeheartedly agrees with the decision to fund care for the elderly.
She said: “I was a nursing assistant throughout my career; I worked with elderly people for a very long time and finally here is a good idea! The condition is excellent.”
